The Obama Administration’s rhetoric and actions surrounding the immigration surge have led many in Central America to think they will not be deported if they come into the U.S. illegally–and indeed, most of the thousands of children that continue to cross the border will likely get to stay in the country.

According to Fusion, Hernandez said after an event at the U.S. Chamber of Commerce in Washington, D.C., “They might think they can gain legal status through this, but on the other hand, this is a kind of displacement, because of the cartel wars and the Maras [gangs] in Central America.”

He reportedly continued, “I’ve asked the United States government to treat this matter with the utmost care from the humanitarian perspective. They are kids in search of their parents and they have the complete right to be with their parents.”